Review on Microsoft Surface 3 Docking Station - Enhanced Compatibility, SC EN/XD/ES Hdwr (GJ3-00001) by Steve Linquist

I have a Microsoft Surface 3. This was my work computer and it came with a keyboard case; I decided to keep it because I liked it and the acquisition cost was ridiculously low. That's why I scored with this docking station; because the price was a ridiculously low $18.00. But somewhere in the back of my mind I heard a voice: It sounds too good to be true. EDIT: And if it sounds too good to be true, it usually isn't. Such is the case with this docking station. After FIVE MONTHS of *extremely infrequent use*, all of the USB ports on the dock stopped working. I had a wireless mouse dongle connected to the dock. A few weeks ago the key worked perfectly. Not now. Plugging the dongle into one of the USB ports does not result in a connection. If I connect the button directly to the surface, the mouse works fine. The internal connections of the docking station are faulty. So basically garbage. It still charges the Surface, but that's not why I bought it. EDIT: Although the device was new and apparently never used. The packaging it came in was definitely not retail packaging. I have a hunch that this is either some sort of "New Old Stock" or a refurbished unmarked item that was sold as "New" or possibly pirated. The box it came in appeared to have been opened and sealed, the label removed, and there was no sticker on the box or on the station itself with the Microsoft hologram (which it may or may not have had anyway). There were no instructions included. So my general suspicion is that it wasn't really a "new" unused dock that had no rest. The fact that this thing failed after five months kinda brings it to an end. EDIT: While it was running, the dock looks and works fine; This allowed me to expand the use of my Surface 3 and give it a more permanent parking space. The station acts as a charger. The connections and ports on the back of the station are great: 2 USB 2 and USB 3 each; 1/8" audio output, Ethernet port, Mini Display port, 110V charging port, Security lock slot. Edges out, place the Surface 3 between the ends, align the USB connector and the charging connector with the corresponding ports on the Surface, and then insert the ends with the Surface between them. The station works with or without the keyboard cover, and the cover can be flipped up or left down. much on the original Microsoft Surface 3 dock, but the jury's still out on that score. that sounds too good to be true. .just because I can't give *ZERO* stars. My recommendation: Stay away from this dubious M accessory from Microsoft. You'd better get a good, durable case/case for it and use the USB charger that came with the Surface 3.